Every once in a while, you are struck by how truly strange our political world has become. I am not referring to the disfunction in our US government (directly) but rather our day-to-day interactions between seemingly normal, patriotic Americans. Case in point: I had a very interesting interaction with my SAR compatriots, on Washington’s Birthday …
Author Archives: Michael Carver
Tonight is Purim
Purim is celebrated every year on the 14th of the Hebrew month of Adar (late winter/early spring). This year is a poignant celebration given that Israel is at war with Iran (historic Persia). In the 4th century BCE, Persian King Ahasuerus had his wife, Vashti, executed for failing to follow his orders, then he arranged a beauty pageant to find a …
Siege Weekend @ Fort Mifflin
Well its official, the Regimental Brewmeister will be returning to Fort Mifflin’s Siege Weekend this year on November 14. Want to have the Regimental Brewmeister at your site or event? You can hire me. https://colonialbrewer.com/yes-you-can-hire-me-for-your-event-or-site/
The Tavern Sign
Because of their abundance, the names pubs take were designed to be memorable—but more than that, they were designed to be visual. Outside any traditional pub worthy of its title, you’ll find a hanging signboard with a unique illustration that represents the name of the business. The first British pub signs were created in the …
Help Wanted — Immersion Weekend in New York
I am looking for 10 solid tavern goers who are interested in an immersion weekend and willing to travel to Albany, NY. On August 8, the Admiral of the Blue Apron will be hosting an immersion weekend on 18th Century beverages and tavern culture. The program will include a full tavern in a fully restored …
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A Yiddish Version of the Declaration of Independence
British officers were stunned to find the Declaration of Independence together with an unintelligible document – a Yiddish translation. Just as the Torah is intended to be read aloud, a practice that continues in synagogues to this day, the Continental Congress ordered that copies of the Declaration be sent “to the several Assemblies, Conventions, and …
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Open your purse on Plough Monday
Plough Monday (the first Monday after Epiphany or January 6) marks the traditional start of the English agricultural year. It is often celebrated with some unorthodox partying/fundraising. A boy dressed as an old woman (called the “Bessy”) and man dressed as an animal (called the “Fool”), accompanied by roving musicians, drag a plough from house to house to …
The Holiday of Hansel
Handsel Monday, the first Monday after January 1, was an old 18th century Scottish tradition where masters would give their servants presents and give them the day off. Sweet! “Handsel” is a Middle English word meaning good luck or good omen. The handsel present was typically money, meaning even the poorest servant had a little extra cash …
The DUTCH East India Company
The Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (VOC), better known as the Dutch East India Company was set up in 1602 and head-quartered in the Oost-Indisch Huis (East-India House) in downtown Amsterdam, which still stands today. The company was first company to officially issue stocks, which peaked during the Dutch “Tulip Mania”, a craze for tulip bulbs that …
Historical Tidbits — 1st Bank of North America established
When reenacting or acting as a historical interpreter, its good to have a few historical dates and stories to share. This series will publish a few. December 31, 1781 1st Bank of North America established Chartered May 26, 1781, by the Continental Congress under the Articles of Confederation, this enterprise was the first national and truly …
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Michael Carver -- Historical Interpreter/Reenactor 